London Concours 2020
Hot-rods and humble Brit classics crash the London Concours
More than 100 cars assembled mid-week at the Artillery Ground in Finsbury for what was billed as the UK’s first major automotive event since February. In truth, some large-ish events have already gone ahead post-lockdown, but this was the first concours and indeed the first event with an international focus. You’d struggle to assemble nine Dinos and five authentic Lancia rally cars without some continental help, after all.
Pleasingly, plenty of more familiar metal, especially from British marques, was able to mix with million-pound Ferraris. A celebration of forgotten marques saw Talbot, Jowett and Unipower celebrated, while former Jaguar designer, Ian Callum’s personal collection brought a classic Mini and a Triumph TR6 to the party.
Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Lancia received dedicated displays in the Honourable Artillery Company’s clearing in the concrete jungle of Finsbury, with Lamborghini having almost every one of its pre-2000 models represented. One of the unexpected stars of the show, however, was the Vintage Hot Rod Association and Ace Cafe’s ‘The Speed of Sand’ display, which saw classic 100mph hot rods assembled on the lawn – their flathead V8s and flame-licked paintjobs offering a striking counterpoint to the immaculately restored Ferrari 330 GTS parked just opposite, which won best in show.
The large square footage relative to visitor numbers meant that social distancing measures were unobtrusive, allowing for a true garden party atmosphere.
The event is expected to return in more normal times on a similar date next year.